Clorgyline is primarily used in scientific research as a selective and irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), an enzyme involved in the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By inhibiting MAO-A, clorgyline increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which makes it a valuable tool for studying mood disorders, depression, and neuropharmacology. It has also been used in experimental models to investigate neuroprotection and the role of oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases. Due to its irreversible binding, clorgyline allows for long-lasting enzyme inhibition, making it useful in biochemical assays and receptor binding studies. However, it is not used clinically as a therapeutic agent due to safety and selectivity concerns.